Trump Is Dropping Obama's Measures Protecting Transgender Students

Trump Is Dropping Obama's Measures Protecting Transgender Students

Trump Is Dropping Obama's Measures Protecting Transgender Students

Donald Trump initially indicated that he would not impede on the rights of the LGBTQ community. First, he publicly proclaimed that transgender people should be able to use whichever bathroom they choose. Then, following his election, he said that he was "fine" with same-sex marriage and had no intention to change the "settled law." Despite these repeated assurances, it seems that his administration could be going back on his promises.

Trump has decided to withdraw efforts by the Obama administration to repeal a nationwide injunction, which was put in place to prevent transgender students from using bathrooms and gender-specific facilities that correspond to their true gender identity.

The injunction was ordered by Judge Reed O’Connor of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas as part of a lawsuit by twelve different states. The lawsuit was filed in response to the Obama administration’s public opinion that Title IX protects transgender students and gives them access to the public facilities that correlate with their gender identity and not the sex on their birth certificate.

While the injunction has already been affecting transgender students in the past few months, the Trump administration’s refusal to appeal it now raises scary questions and uncertainty about the safety of these students. Fears have also arose on how this will impact the results of an upcoming Supreme Court case, in which a Virginia transgender student is fighting his high school for his right to use the men’s restroom.

Conservatives’ concerns that the safety of cisgender students will be compromised if trans students are allowed to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity have been unfounded time and time again. Letting this rule stay in place puts trans students in danger of constant harassment and bullying, which could (and often does) lead to traumatic results.

Given that justice is not likely to be served on this issue anytime soon, it’s vital to continue speaking out and fighting for transgender rights. Acts of protest on the streets or social media are always welcome, but if you want to directly help the fight, also consider donating to organizations like the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund. Every bit of activism makes a difference.